Sometimes, the stock camera app that comes pre-installed with your Android phone is not good enough. Most Android phones do not come with basic features like Panorama, PhotoSphere, or selfie mirror. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a camera app with improved features to take photos like a Pro. No, I’m not saying that you can trick your camera hardware using software; it doesn’t work that way. However, most of the time, the software plays a vital role in image processing and helps optimize and produce incredible photos. Hence, the software upgrade can only help your hardware unveil its arcana and do justice with the pictures. Google’s camera is an excellent example of that.
Often, the stock camera app comes with limited features, and hence you can always go with a 3rd-party camera app to take better photos like pro photographers. Playing with exposure, ISO, and other manual controls can level up your photography skills. These apps can help you improve your pictures. Here are our picks for the best camera apps for Android:
1. Google Camera
Google Camera is one of the best camera apps for Android phones. The company’s camera software arguably makes Pixel phones the ‘best camera smartphones’ in the world. Google uses its advanced image processing to create stunning results from the mobile camera sensor. The app is best for taking photos without worrying about manual settings. It won’t be an exaggeration if I say that it’s the best replacement for your stock camera app. The default auto mode works so well as you don’t have to adjust much to take a great photo. Just take it out of your pocket and capture the moment.
However, the app is available on limited supported smartphones; you can visit the link to check. Download from Google Play Store if it supports your phone. If it isn’t available for your phone, you can check on XDA Developers if they have got a ported version of the app for your smartphone model.
After installing and using this app on your phone, you will notice Google Camera doing its magic. Unlike your stock camera app, it comes with many unique features (some features are limited to devices like Night Sight, etc.). Google Camera app is available in Play Store.
2. Camera FV-5
With more camera controls than usual apps, Camera FV-5 is one of our favorite apps when it comes to taking great pictures using manual controls. It has everything, from RAW support to adjusting ISO, exposure, contrast, and focus. Although the UI seems old, once you get used to the app and understand the features, you’ll love this app. You can tweak photos without using any photo editing apps.
Camera FV-5 is a paid app that comes with all of the features. You can try the Camera FV-5 Lite for free, and if you like the free app, you can get the premium version from Google Play Store.
3. A Better Camera
“A Better Camera App,” as the name suggests the app works fine and is full of useful features that a photographer needs. You can challenge your photography skills and play around with this camera app to capture the best of your shots. It also comes with an HDR mode and other manual controls. You can get A Better Camera and A Better Camera Unlocked on Google Play Store.
4. Camera Zoom FX
Camera Zoom FX is another great app for mobile photographers. It supports Camera2 API manual controls. It can do so much more than a stock camera app does, like, action shots, photo composition, collage, photo filters, and more. But the best part is the Camera2 manual control support. It can also capture RAW images on supported phones. You can manually set ISO, focus distance, shutter speed, and exposure. You can download Camera Zoom FX – Free and Camera Zoom FX Premium from Google Play Store.
5. Footej Camera
Footej Camera also comes with Camera2 API support. And with this, it brings all the manual controls that let you take great photos by adjusting shutter speed, ISO, focus, white balance, and exposure. The app also lets you capture RAW images with RAW histogram support. Footej Camera lets you make GIFs too, which is a unique feature for a camera app. You can download Footej Camera from Google Play Store.
6. Open Camera
The list of best Android camera apps is incomplete without mentioning Open Camera. The open-source app is free to download on Google Play Store. It comes with auto-stabilization and manual control features. Open Camera is customizable and lets you take photos from the volume key. You can download Open Camera from Google Play Store.
These are the best Android camera apps from the Google Play Store to date. If an app is missing that you think should be part of this list, then drop your favorite apps in the comments below.
Let us know which is your favorite app and why?
